, 81, Hartselle, AL hit a Hole in One Friday February 26, 2016 surrounded by his family as he strolled through the gates of heaven, his body is now whole again after an extended illness.
Buford Ruis Burgess was born in Morgan County on June 1, 1934 to William Odis and Ida Louie Legg Burgess.
Buford was a graduate of Danville High School, Calhoun College and Athens State College. He excelled in basketball at Danville High School, which earned him a scholarship to Athens State College where he also proved to be an MVP.
Buford joined the U S Air Force in 1954 where he became a Russian language specialist. Upon discharge from the military he began his law enforcement career with Decatur Police Department for eight months and then joined the Alabama Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper from Nov. 1959 until May 1981. In May of 1981 he was appointed Sheriff of Morgan County to fill the unexpired term of the late Van Ward. He went on to be elected to serve two four year terms. Buford served as President of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, served on the board of Alabama Sheriff’s Boys & Girls Ranches, as well as the Board of Directors of the Alabama Department of Youth Services. He retired in January 1991 after serving his community and state for over 33 years in law enforcement.
Buford not only served and protected his Community; he was very active in many organizations in the communities he and his family lived in throughout the years. In Walker County he was instrumental in forming and chartering the Lynn’s Park Lions Club. He served in all capacities from Lion to President and Zone Chairman. He was secretary for the Little League Baseball Organization and served two years as President of Union Chapel PTA. The family moved to Madison County for one year before returning to his and Dots home of Morgan County in 1970 where they have remained.
After moving back home to Hartselle he continued to serve in the Lions Club in Hartselle and Decatur. He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Decatur Lodge #46 and served several terms at State Trustee, Chairman of the golf tournament committee, Chairman of the tractor pull committee and many other activities sponsored by these organizations to raise funds for local charities. He was also an active member of the Alabama Peace Officers Association, the Alabama State Police Association serving on various committees. He was awarded the Alabama Jaycees “Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the year in 1977, as well as winning many local, regional and state honors. He is a Past Exalted Ruler of Decatur Elks Lodge #655. He and Dot served as chairman of the annual golf tournament sponsored by the Elks. Buford was also a proud member of the VFW Post 4190, American Legion Post 15 and DAV. He is a Mason and a Shriner. He is a member of Danville Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Larry Burgess and sister, Wanda Burgess, father and mother in-law Clint and Mary Sue Thompson.
Left to cherish the memories is his loving wife of more than 56 years, Dorothy “Dot” Thompson Burgess, Daughter; Carol Burgess, Houma, LA, Son; Gary Burgess, Hartselle, daughters; Cindy Burgess George & Susie Burgess both of Hartselle. Grandchildren; Bridget Gullion (Nick), Levi George (Cassie), Nick Watkins (Elizabeth) and Dane Burgess. Great grandchildren; Cain & Elijah Gullion, Brock and Emilee George, Caroline Elizabeth & Grace Watkins. Step grandchildren; Ryan King (Jessica), Aaron King (Laura) and Jenna Richardson (Adam). Brothers; Johnny Wayne Burgess (Brenda), Lamar Burgess (Loretta), sister; Bobbie Dueise Holland, Brother in law; Charlie Thompson (Joyce), sister in law; Peggy Lindsey. Aunts; Ozell Burgess Davis, Willie M. Burgess May and Vicille H. Hill, Several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friend Jim Bowers and wife Kaye and his AlaCare nurse Beth Harville.
Morgan County Sheriff’s Dept will serve as pallbearers. Alabama State Troopers will serve as Honor guard. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present Law Enforcement, Decatur Elks Lodge #655 and his golfing buddies.
We will begin our celebration of Buford’s life with visitation on Sunday February 28, 2016 from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at Danville Baptist Church, Hwy 36 Danville, AL.
We will have a grand send off for his arrival into heaven on Monday, February 29, 2016 beginning at 1:00pm at Danville Baptist Church with Brother Jack Bailey, Brother Brian Burgess and Dr. Milan Dekich officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. His body will be at the Church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow with Honors at Andrews Chapel Church Cemetery on Andrews Chapel Rd, Danville, AL.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Buford to Morgan County Meals on Wheels, Decatur Morgan Foundation Lights of Love, and Hospice of the Valley, Alacare Hospice or your favorite charity.
